I've gone through a few solenoids, i have a new one ready to go on, but i dont want to burn this one up as someone said it could be something else. A guy told me there is a relay mounted under the steering colum that could be bad. I also did some searching and one guy said it was his starter. Which should I start with first? Thanks for any help.

 

ok, took my starter to be tested, and they said it was bad. Purchased a new starter, had my new solenoid, installed both, and still getting the big "click" upon turning the key. What can i check next??

 

uh are you sure the starter solenoid is grounding very well? if not it might cause this.

 

How do i check the grounding? Which is the grounding wire?

 

"Still getting the big click." What does that mean.

If it clicks but doesnt crank you need to check the battery cables.

Checking the cables is VERY simple. Just add a jumper to the different cables.

When my 87 Ranger would not crank & I added a cable from negative battery post to engine block & it fired right up I knew the negative cable was shot.

Since you've replaced the starter RELAY 3 times it should be grounded fine. I grounds thru it's mounting screws.

 

ok just went outside and added the jumper cable from the negative cable to the frame and still getting the one click sound. When i say big click i just mean when you turn the ignition to start the truck all you get is a click sound, and it only clicks once then thats it.

 

I hate when I dont have the factory wiring diagrams to look at.

For the Fords that I own I do have the factory wiring diagrams.

Your start circuit is probably wired from the positive battery post to the starter relay AND positive post to the starter solenoid.

Negative battery post grounds the starter thru the engine block.

If any of these cables are bad, it wont crank.

 

OK, did some searching and found that the spade connection on the starter wire could be the cause. I just went outside and wiggled, then squeezed it a bit more with some pliers and it fired right up. Old starter solenoid wasnt the problem so i'm going to return the new one to the parts store. Here is a pic of the connection and the wire. Do i just need to go ahead and cut, then splice in the new wire that came with the starter?

 

That would be the wire that connects the relay to the solenoid, no wonder it would'nt start. Congrats on finding the problem.

Splice in the new wire & you should be good to go.